Commissioners Present Flags to Veterans at Logan Acres

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Tuesday, the Logan County Commissioners presented flags to two veterans at Logan Acres.

The flag presented to Mr. Don Stinson was flown over the Logan County Court House in April of 2024.

Mr. Stinson served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War and entered the service on December 21st, 1951, in Columbus.

He was separated at Biggs Air Force Base in Texas on December 20th, 1955.

Mr. Stinson received the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.

He served as a member of the 97th Forward Maintenance Squadron and was an Airman 1st Class – specializing in engine mechanics.

He is a graduate of Washington High School (Lewistown, Ohio) and married his wife Phyllis Joan Shafer and they enjoyed a 70-year union.

Together, the Stinson’s also enjoyed hosting the annual Christmas party for The Layman’s Sunday school class at Calvary Baptist Church.

They have one daughter, Brenda Thomas.

As a lifelong resident of Logan County, Mr. Stinson established the Stinson Band Organ Company of Bellefontaine.

The company has manufactured over 200 new band organs, located throughout the world, including the United States, Canada, Japan, Mexico, Taiwan, and Malaysia.

He is an accomplished organ builder.

Through the development of the Wurlitzer 53 Special at the Columbus Park Zoo and the Meticulously Voicing Wooden Organ Pipe, Mr. Stinson has made many contributions to our community.

He was joined at the ceremony by his daughter, great-grandson Carter Barnett, nephew Scott Stinson, and his wife Nina.

The flag presented to Mrs. Betty Dowell was flown over the Logan County Court House in March of 2024.

Mrs. Dowell entered the United States Army on January 21st, 1954, in Columbus, Ohio, and served during the Korean War.

She obtained the rank of PFC-T (technician) and was a clerk/typist.

Mrs. Dowell separated from service at the Engine Center at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, in June 1955 and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal.

She graduated from Rosewood High School and lived most of her life off Route 2 in DeGraff.

Mrs. Dowell and her husband, Richard Dowell, both served in the US Army at the same time.

Betty had one daughter, Merry Bell, who was a U.S. Navy veteran, and recently passed away.

For many years, Mrs. Dowell and her husband owned and operated Dick and Betty’s Market and the Opry House in DeGraff.

Many residents can recall shopping at the market, dancing at a concert under the stars, and spending time at the Opry House.

Mrs. Dowell was joined Tuesday, by her brother Paul Fry and his wife Gloria, Ron and Pam Pope, and Holly and TJ Hubbard.